Friday, December 10, 2010

St. Nicholas visited the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on December 5, 2010. After the Liturgy, the children went to the Ortynsky Spirituality Center and performed a concert for St. Nicholas.

Video

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Attached are some materials relating to the Special Assembly for the Middle East of the Synod of Bishops at the Vatican on October 10 - 24, 2010. (Cardinal Lubomyr Husar and Bishop Bohdan Dzyurakh, C.SS.R. were two of the Members for this Special Assembly.)

Monday, December 6, 2010

WASHINGTON—Leaders of some of the largest religious communities in the United States have come together to express their commitment toward the protection of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. In an open letter released today, entitled “The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment,” leaders from Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Evangelical, Jewish, Lutheran, Mormon, Orthodox, Pentecostal and Sikh communities in the United States affirmed the importance of preserving marriage’s unique meaning.

“The broad consensus reflected in this letter—across great religious divides—is clear: The law of marriage is not about imposing the religion of anyone, but about protecting the common good of everyone,” said Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York, newly elected president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and one of the letter’s signers. “People of any faith or no faith at all can recognize that when the law defines marriage as between one man and one woman, it legally binds a mother and a father to each other and their children, reinforcing the foundational cell of human society.”

The release of this letter comes the same morning that oral arguments on the Proposition 8 case are set to begin. In August, Judge Vaughn Walker had ruled California’s Proposition 8 to be unconstitutional, based in part on the claim that defining marriage as between a man and a woman lacked any rational basis at all, and instead reflected nothing but religion-based hostility to homosexual persons. This ruling has been appealed and its hearing is scheduled for today, December 6.

“Today is the moment to stand for marriage and its unchangeable meaning. We hope this letter will encourage just that,” Archbishop Dolan said. “The Protection of Marriage: A Shared Commitment” is being circulated nationwide. Downloadable PDF versions of the letter can be found at www.usccb.org/defenseofmarriage/shared-commitment.shtml . A backgrounder on the statement can be found at http://www.usccb.org/comm/backgrounders/shared-commitment.shtml

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

ST. MICHAEL’S UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, FRACKVILLE TO PRESENT CHRISTMAS CANDLELIGHT PROCESSIONAL SUN., DEC. 5 AT 4 P.M;PROGRAM TO INCLUDE BRASS ENSEMBLE, REENACTMENT OF THE NATIVITY STORY AND AUDIENCE CAROL SING-A-LONG

FRACKVILLE, PA.--: St. Michael’s Church extends its annual holiday invitation to one and all to attend A Christmas Candlelight Processional Pageant, which will be held Sunday, December 5 at 4 p.m. in St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, West Oak Street, Frackville. “This is our annual Christmas gift to the community,” is the way Rev. Archpriest John M. Fields characterized this pageant, which was first presented by the parish children in 2004.

The program will include the story of the Birth of Christ, with Scripture reading, a reenactment of the Nativity scene by the children of the parish, and an audience carol sing-a-long with many of the traditional Christmas carols, including Ukrainian carols.

A brass ensemble will perform before the program and also provide accompaniment during the presentation.

The pageant will include the participation of children portraying Joseph, Mary, the three wise men, angels, shepherds, and villagers.

The audience will sing along as traditional carols are interspersed with the narration of the Gospel accounts of the Nativity of the Christ Child.

After the program, the outdoor Christmas tree lighting will take place.

Then all are invited to enjoy a covered dish which will be served in the parish hall and St. Nicholas will make his annual visit. The feast of St. Nicholas is December 6.

There is no admission and the program is open to the public. For additional information or directions, please call the parish rectory: (570) 874-1101.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Join us for this unique fundraising event, which will benefit the St. John Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany, NJ! St. John’s parish is in the process of building a new church and all proceeds from the Theatrical Play will go into their Church Building Fund.

The evening will include: a special presentation of Ukrainian Kozak life, music, and singing. The play will be in Ukrainian but you will enjoy the singing and beautiful Ukrainian costumes.

Tickets are $10 for AdultsFor tickets call Oksana at (201) 213-4321.Tickets will also be sold at the door.All are Welcome!

Friday, November 19, 2010

The now annual national observance to commemorate Ukraine's Genocide of 1932-1933 will take place at St. Patrick's Cathedral (51 Street and 5th Avenue) in New York City on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 2PM.

This year marks the 77th anniversary of one of the worst cases of man's inhumanity towards man, and perhaps the most extreme example of the use of food as a weapon, and we urge the Ukrainian American community to attend the ecumenical service and honor the millions of innocent victims who perished as a result of the Soviet policy of forced collectivization.

Monday, November 15, 2010

You, your family & friends are invited to visit with St. Nicholas at 12:30pm in the church hall of Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church located at the intersection of Liberty Ave & Bloy St.

Hillside is located in Union County , NJ . The parish children will present an informal bi-lingual entertainment program. Odarka Polanskyj-Stockert will also perform several holiday pieces on the harp.

Complimentary refreshments will be served. For those attending the Sunday Divine Liturgy at 10:45am, a light lunch will be provided after the Liturgy. If you would like to attend for the luncheon, please contact Mike at 908-289-0127, Maria at 973-599-9381 or email the parish at ICUkrainianCatholic@yahoo.com .

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

The Archeparchial Wedding Anniversary Celebration was held on October 17, 2010 at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, PA. The reception was held at the Archbishop's Residence. Congratulations and Many Happy Years to the Jubilarians!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

"The Way" was just informed that the 72nd LUC Convention was cancelled...

Between discussions with the Convention Committee and the National Board President, a decision was made to CANCEL the 72nd Annual National Convention of the League of Ukrainian Catholics which was scheduled for October 8, 9, 10, 2010. Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond control, it was necessary to cancel plans for this annual event.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Pilgrimage to the Mother of GodSisters of the Order of St. Basil the Great

This year’s seventy-ninth annual pilgrimage honoring the Mother of God on the grounds of the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great in Fox Chase has as its theme “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38). On Saturday October 2, 2010 this theme will be developed during the Akathist to the Mother of God celebrated at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pochaiv. The homilist will be Rev. Father Robert Hitchens, Rector of the Ukrainian Catholic Seminary in Washington, DC in his homily he will urge us to be open to God’s call.

On Sunday, October 3, 2010 during the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Archbishop Stefan Soroka, the Very Rev. Paul Chomnycky, OSBM, Eparch of Stamford, CT will speak on what it means to live out God’s call. This theme will be further enhanced at the Moleben to the Mother of God as Archbishop Stefan speaks to us about Mystical changes in our lives as we open ourselves to God’s word.

The Mystery of Reconciliation (Confession) will be available both days. Traditional Ukrainian food will be served on Sunday. A special feature of the weekend will be an opportunity to venerate the replica of the Shroud of Turin in the Holy Trinity Chapel of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great. This is one of nine replicas that was touched by the actual Shroud of Turin and blessed by the Holy Father.

For further information go to the website of the Sisters www.stbasils.com.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Looking for something to do on the Columbus Day weekend? Why not take a drive to Suffern, New York, and check out the happenings at the 72nd Convention of the League of Ukrainian Catholics, especially the activities on Saturday, October 9, 2010.

The League is sponsoring a new and exciting program entitled, Generations of Faith, newly introduced to parishes in the Metropolia. Sr. Ann Lazok, one of the originators of the program, will be coordinating a fascinating hands on, interactive session focused on the Philip’s Fast (Pylypiwka); the forty day fast preceding the Nativity. By looking to the Old and New Testament Saints, participants will learn how to pray, fast and give alms as they prepare for the Nativity of Jesus Christ. Also, participants will discover ways that they can help all people experience God is with us – Znamy Boh!

The program is open to all, and advanced registration is required. The fee is $25.00 and includes lunch. Information has been sent to all parishes. If you have not heard about this and would like to participate, please contact Marion C. Hrubec (201) 843-3960 or email mc.hrubec@att.net. Registration is open through September 20, 2010. Gather a group from your parish and join us as we learn how to prepare our families and ourselves for the Nativity of Our Lord.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate's Holy Dormition Pilgrimage in Sloatsburg, NY was held August 13 - 15, 2010. For more information about the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate, please visit their website at http://ssmi-us.org/ .

Video: Procession & Opening Remarks at the 10:00 Liturgy on August 15th

Video: Bishop Paul's Homily

Video: "I Believe"

Video: Communion

Video: Moleben Homily

Video: Moleben

Did you attend the pilgrimage? Share a comment by clicking the "Comment" link at the bottom of this post.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

So spoke Mr. Bumble in Charles Dickens* Oliver Twist. Thesometimes humorous jab at lawyers hit home August 4, when Federal Judge Vaughn Walker overturned California*s Proposition 8 that had definedmarriage as a union of one man and one woman.

The decision called California citizens* decision to definemarriage as *irrational,* which suggests that their decision wasabsurd and beyond the pale. What*s really irrational is the judge*sdismissal of marriage between a man and a woman * the basic bedrock ofour society * as if it were some kookie idea. What*s irrational ishis ignoring the will of the people with real life experience ofmarriage, who have voted down gay marriage not only in California, butthroughout the United States whenever legalization of gay marriage hasbeen put to a vote. These votes did not take place in pockets ofconservatism. Fourteen years ago, the U.S. House of Representativesvoted 342-67, and the Senate voted 85-14, to accept the traditionaldefinition of marriage in the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

What is even more irrational is the judge*s dismissal of theU.S. Constitution*s First Amendment and Freedom of Religion with thesedamning words: *Religious beliefs that gay and lesbian relationshipsare sinful or inferior to heterosexual relationships harm gays andlesbians.*

The judge*s placing religion and government at odds amounts toConstitutional irrationality. It is no small irony that hisanti-religious position is enshrined in a ruling deemed to opposebigotry. The U.S. Constitution guarantees citizens freedom for religion.That precludes government from weighing in on the *acceptability* ofreligious beliefs.

Judge Walker, in his decision, backed his bigotry with errors,including the misstatement that the *Catholic Church viewshomosexuality as sinful.* The fact is, the Catholic Church seeshomosexuality as a condition, an inclination in a person, something notintrinsically sinful. The church calls for pastoral support, notcondemnation, for people with this inclination. The Catholic Churchmakes clear that it is homosexual activities it deems sinful, because itholds that all sexual activity belongs within marriage between a man anda woman. At the same time the Catholic Church opposes all unjustdiscrimination against gays and lesbians and abhors violence againstthem.

The Catholic Church also holds that marriage is a unique institutionwith a privileged place because it is foundational to the good ofsociety. The church is not alone in holding that a family headed by amother and a father is the optimal place in which to raise a child.Judge Walker begs to differ, however, and says with grand aplomb thatresearch that supports the contrary view *is accepted beyond seriousdebate in the field of developmental psychology.* If there*s everbeen a statement open to debate it*s that one.

Judge Walker devoted three pages of his decision to make hiscase for the bigotry of religion, an insult to the tens of millions ofreligious people in the nation. This is not to deny that some people actdespicably and portray their bigotry against gays as religiousexpression. So too do those who spew anti-immigrant, anti-woman, andanti-whatever sentiments. They*re an unfortunate result of our humancondition that lets the morally weak, even morally decrepit, walk amongus. Bigoted people are an unfortunate result but not a reason to upendthe U.S. Constitution.

Archbishop Joseph Kurtz, chairman of the U.S. bishops* Ad HocCommittee for the Defense of Marriage, was spot on when he declared that*marriage is more fundamental and essential to the well being ofsociety than perhaps any other institution. It is simply unimaginablethat the court could claim a conflict between marriage and theConstitution.*

On August 4, 2010, Judge Walker proved Dickens was right. The law is aass. ---

Sister Mary Ann Walsh is director of media relations for the UnitedStates Conference of Catholic Bishops.

The 76th Annual Ukrainian Seminary Day was held at St. Nicholas Picnic Grove, Minersville/Schuylkill County on July 25, 2010. Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka and the clergy of the South Anthracite Deanery celebrated the Divine Liturgy.

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish in Shamokin, PA., will hold the Annual Ukrainian Festival on August 7th & 8th. Delicious food, exiting games, lottery, live music performed by two bands, dancing, vendors and a lot of fun for kids and adults. For more information please call 570-648-5932.

Friday, July 2, 2010

When you are away on your vacation, you’re not away from your obligation to attend Sunday Liturgy. Remember to take Jesus along! If you’re vacationing at Wildwood, Rev. Ruslan Romanyuk and the Ukrainian community welcomes you to participate at The Divine Liturgy in Ukrainian Catholic Church, starting from July 4th. The Divine Liturgy will be celebrated every Sunday at 6:30 p.m. in The Christ Community Church, located at the corner of Crocus Road and Pacific Avenue. For more information, please call: 856-482-0938.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Shroud of Turin Exhibition Closing at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Philadelphia, PA, was held on June 29, 2010 on the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul. The Shroud will continue to be at the Cathedral and also take part in several pilgrimages.

Video 1 = Metropolitan-Archbishop Stefan Soroka speaks of the closing of the Exhibition

Video 2 = Faithful venerate the Cross and the Shroud

Video 3 = Shroud is covered

Photos

-the end

If you were at the Shroud Exhibition Closing and want to share a comment with us, please click the "Comment" link at the bottom of this post.